Over 1.2 million Sudanese return from abroad but many remain stranded, UN says

August 24, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – More than 1.24 million Sudanese have returned to the country from neighbouring states since 2024, but over 45% have been unable to reach their intended destinations, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said in a report.

Egypt accounted for the largest share of returnees with 823,000 cross-border movements, followed by South Sudan with 223,000 and Chad with 103,000. About 72% of surveyed returnees expressed their intention to return to their original homes despite persistent insecurity.

Bottlenecks and displacement patterns have created sharp disparities between where returnees currently stay and where they plan to settle. While 59% cited Khartoum State as their intended destination, only 34% have reached the capital.

By contrast, 35% of returnees are currently concentrated in Al Jazirah State, though only 11% intended to return there. Another 9% are in Blue Nile State, while Northern and River Nile states host 5% and 4% respectively.

Almost half of the returnees (49%) had sought asylum in their countries of departure before returning, with 41% citing protection risks abroad and 45% reporting lengthy border processing delays.

Financial aid remains the most pressing need across all states of return, cited by up to 96% of returnees, along with food, healthcare, clean water, and shelter. Primary protection concerns include risks faced by women and children, family reunification, and a lack of civil documentation.